Used Ford Escape for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the Ford Escape cost in today's market?

Used Ford Escape prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Ford Escape's current nationwide average price is $17,101, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $16,490 over the past year. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Ford Escape a good car?

Yes — the Ford Escape is a strong used SUV choice if you want a practical crossover with broad appeal. The all-generations owner rating is 4.47/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its spacious interiors, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. They also frequently highlight smooth handling, strong performance, and the technology available in many trims.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2017 models among the highest across all years.

The trade-offs that show up most often in recent expert reviews center on interior materials, cargo space, and overall value.

33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Escape models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Ford Escape’s comfort, practicality, and easy-to-live-with character. Across the model years in the data, it also earns strong owner feedback for handling, performance, and useful technology.

• Owners rate the Ford Escape between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For long-term ownership, you’ll want to pay close attention to condition, maintenance history, and vehicle history reports, especially on older examples.

What should I look for when buying a used Ford Escape?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360
• Infotainment: Sync 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Which Ford Escape trim should I buy?

The 2024 Ford Escape offers these trims:

• Active: This is the entry point for the 2024 lineup and gives you the Escape’s updated look and core equipment in a straightforward package.
• ST-Line: This trim adds the hybrid powertrain option and is the best-value choice if you want stronger cost-effectiveness.
• ST-Line Select: This trim brings the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a sportier appearance package.
• ST-Line Elite: This trim adds more upscale equipment, including the larger tech display and available premium features.
• Platinum: This trim sits near the top of the lineup and adds a more premium presentation.
• Plug-in Hybrid: This trim adds plug-in capability and more than 35 miles of electric-only driving range.

What Ford Escape do most buyers choose?

The Ford Escape years with the most listings are 2024, 2023, and 2025.

Higher-volume model years usually give you more choices, more price spread, and a better chance of finding the right trim and condition. They also tend to be the easiest years to compare side by side while shopping.

What is the Ford Escape's resale value?

Most model years in the table are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used because prices have generally softened. The biggest drops are concentrated in newer and mid-cycle years, while a few recent models are falling more slowly. That gives you room to compare across years and trims without chasing a single price point.

The 2024, 2023, and 2017 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Ford Escape safe?

• 2024: 8/10
• 2023: 8/10
• 2021: 8/10
• 2020: 9/10
• 2017: 8/10
• 2016: 6/10
• 2015: 8/10

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the 2024 Escape.

For the safest used buy, the 2020 model posts the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Ford Escape now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −16.18% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −5.01%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 35.4% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 34.5%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $22,917. The Ford Escape offers a comfortable ride and a practical, family-friendly cabin that make it easy to live with every day.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest model offers a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain expected to get 39 mpg in combined driving, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque, and 26 mpg in combined driving.
• Tech: The latest model includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system, Amazon Alexa, and a complimentary three-year subscription to connected navigation.
• Safety: The latest model adds a standard Ford Co-Pilot360 collection of driving assistance systems with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights.
• Starting price: The manufacturer’s suggested retail price rises to nearly $35,000 for a front-drive hybrid model.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Escape Trims in Charlotte, NC

The 2026 Ford Escape offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $25,926
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Most Popular: ST-Line AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Active FWD — "Who It's For"

The Active FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 92 listings
• View Active FWD listings

ST-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with standard features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 93 listings
• View ST-Line FWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without a significant price increase.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 81 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular trim with a blend of style and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 95 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

ST-Line Select AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Select AWD is the pick for shoppers who want more luxury features without going to the top tier.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 45 listings
• View ST-Line Select AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want high-end features and a premium driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 46 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST-Line Elite AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Elite AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a trail-ready vehicle with advanced technology features.

• Avg. market price: $25,926 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 6 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line Elite AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST-Line AWD

With 95 active listings, the ST-Line AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST-Line AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active FWD

At $25,926 avg market price — below the lineup median of $25,926 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active FWD

The Active FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 27/34 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Active FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.